Clergy, Congregations & Communities

Religious Perspectives on Domestic Violence

Ignoring domestic violence will not make it go away.   We must see it for what it is: a problem of epidemic proportion.  It exists in our homes, schools, places of worship and destroys what we value most, the people we love.  Recognizing that domestic violence exists in many families is the first step.  We cannot cover it up or pretend it doesn’t happen. It does, and it must end.

Advocates working to end domestic violence and survivors of violence agree:  If the cycle of violence is not interrupted, it often escalates in frequency and severity.  Experts claim that if there is no intervention future violence is inevitable and the cycle will continue.

The following are the program goals and objectives for educating clergy, staff members and congregations.

Program Goals:

To develop a working relationship between both the religious leaders of the community and secular organizations so each may provide resources to those suffering from the dark secret of domestic violence.

Presentations, discussions, and exercises will provide valuable information to clergy, staff and laity on how to respond to the needs of victims and provide resources and information on how and where to seek help.

Program Objectives:

• Explain the history of domestic violence;
• Outline the basic dynamics of domestic violence;
• Motivate clergy, staff members, and congregations to support battered adults and children; and hold batterers accountable for this crime;
• Illustrate ways clergy and staff can work with community resources on prevention and intervention;
• Discuss ways that secular and religious communities can work together to bring support and safety to all victims experiencing domestic violence.

Contact gingerdecoteau@clc-inc.org for information on how to involve your place of worship in the cessation of domestic violence in our community.